This paper describes the SIGGS Theory Model as it applies to educational systems. This model, designed to simulate a wide variety of systems, uses sets (S), information (I), graph theory (G), and general systems (GS). The educational system is viewed as a set; in one example this set consists of teacher, student, curriculum, and setting. This…

This document presents a pilot training program which developed, diffused, and evaluated the application of a selected group of research and development (R&D) techniques for planning and initiating change in the public schools. The training model resulted from suggestions of an interdisciplinary development team at the University of Kansas. The…

A technique for the analysis of ecosystems developed by Odum focuses on the nature of interactions which take place within the system being considered. This technique can be used to assess the contribution of any variable to an interaction. Using data derived from previous research conducted by Feather, the authors employ this technique to examine…

Author expresses concern about a number of problems inherent in the DD and A processes as they now exist in education and feels that educational practitioners making changes and innovations need to be protected from research and evaluation reports of poor quality. (Author/MB)

In this paper, an information processing model of social systems is developed with particular concern for large complex organizations. In explicating the sixteen assumptions and propositions of the model, the literature on environmental uncertainty, interorganizational communication, technology, and their effects on internal organizational…

A simulation model of a suburban school district is synthesized by incorporating the results of multiple regression analysis within an Industrial Dynamics framework. The intermediate empirical analysis is described and results of the validation procedure for the final simulation model presented. Three computer experiments with the system model are…

This paper focuses on the environmental influences of change in the communication structure of organizations and argues that structural changes in communication networks are increasingly externally induced. The unit of analysis selected for discussion in this paper is the individual organization. A communication network among organizations is…

Simulation is defined and its use, as related to three types of models, iconic, analogue, and symbolic, that may be utilized in educational research is discussed. A five-step procedure is outlined that can be followed in the process of symbolic model construction. Simulation methods, based on these three models, are examined, and illustrations of…

Article describes a systems analysis model for large educational enterprises, which prominently employs instructional objectives. (Author)

In the first part of the paper, the author discusses his observation that teachers perceive any form of theorizing in schools to be intellectually dependent on educational researchers. Teachers assume that their access to educational theories depends on a group external to themselves and that theory has little practical value in the classroom. In…

A set of procedures were developed which assist in structuring tasks and objectives in a manner to permit rational decision making. The model uses a jury of experts to rank various objectives and program processes in terms of their importance. Values are generated which relate to costs in the form of a utility-cost ratio. The model was tested in a…

Institutional research is a practicing art, whose merits lie in its relevance to and influence on decision and policy making. A more positive attitude toward theory-related research would enhance its future development. (Author/MLW)

Discusses difficulties in defining instructional systems design (ISD) and presents five ways the field is viewed, ranging from a narrow view emphasizing media selection to a complete ISD view. The ISD view emphasizes five main components: educational theory and research, system analysis, diffusion, consulting/interpersonal relations, and project…

This ESEA Title III report describes fault tree analysis and assesses its applicability to education. Fault tree analysis is an operations research tool which is designed to increase the probability of success in any system by analyzing the most likely modes of failure that could occur. A graphic portrayal, which has the form of a tree, is…